Scottsdale, AZ–DVD recorders are expected to slowly supplant DVD players in the standalone product sector as well as in combination products such as DVD+VCR and DVD+TV, according to In-Stat/MDR, an Arizona-based research firm.
In-Stat/MDR ascertained that in 2003 alone, DVD recorder unit shipments increased over 200 percent, as more manufacturers entered the market and prices declined. Over 50 million DVD recorders are expected to ship worldwide in 2007. Several DVD recorder+VCR and Home Theater in a Box (HTiB)+DVD recorder systems are slated for international roll outs in the next few months.
“However, there is still a lot of life in the DVD player market,” stated In-Stat/MDRs senior analyst, Michelle Abraham. “Automotive DVD systems and portable DVD players are expected to grow over 30 percent annually for the next five years. In addition, while households in Europe, North America, and Japan will convert to DVD recorders, markets like China will continue to consume DVD players.”
DVD player unit shipments in 2003 were 98 million units and will top 100 million in 2004. The total market will then begin its decline in 2005, though the portable and automotive segments will still continue to grow.
In-Stat/MDR revealed other key findings:
–DVD recorder prices will drop below $199 for the 2004 holiday season
–DVD players are commonly available in Europe and North America for less than $50. By 2007, prices will be under $30 on a regular basis
–Besides hard drives, step-up features on DVD recorders will include Electronic Program Guides (EPGs), and network connections in 2004, with DTV tuners and DVD-Audio and SACD playback added in 2005
–Blue laser player/recorders will become mainstream products, but not before 2008. The two competing blue laser formats will finalize their read-only formats in 2004, so In-Stat/MDR expects more product introductions in 2005
For more information, visit www.instat.com.
